Acts 12:10

KJV

When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} they were past {G1330} the first {G4413} and {G2532} the second {G1208} ward {G5438}, they came {G2064} unto {G1909} the iron {G4603} gate {G4439} that leadeth {G5342} unto {G1519} the city {G4172}; which {G3748} opened {G455} to them {G846} of his own accord {G844}: and {G2532} they went out {G1831}, and passed on through {G4281} one {G3391} street {G4505}; and {G2532} forthwith {G2112} the angel {G32} departed {G868} from {G575} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Having passed a first guard and a second, they arrived at the iron gate leading to the city. This opened to them by itself, and they made their exit. They went down the length of one street, and suddenly the angel left him.

Berean Standard Bible

They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself. When they had gone outside and walked the length of one block, the angel suddenly left him.

American Standard Version

And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 12:10 marks the climactic moment of Peter's miraculous liberation from prison, illustrating God's sovereign power to deliver His servants from seemingly insurmountable obstacles. After navigating the inner prison wards with an angel, Peter encounters the formidable iron gate leading to the city, which supernaturally opens of its own accord, allowing his escape. Immediately upon reaching safety in the street, the angel's mission is complete, and he departs, underscoring the divine, rather than human, nature of the entire deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 12:10 is the culmination of a dramatic narrative of divine intervention. The preceding verses detail King Herod Agrippa I's persecution of the early church, which had already led to the martyrdom of James, the brother of John ([Acts 12:2](/acts/12-2 "Acts 12:2 - James' Martyrdom")). Peter was subsequently arrested and held under heavy guard, bound with two chains between two soldiers, with additional sentries at the doors, awaiting public trial after Passover. Despite these seemingly impenetrable security measures, the church was earnestly praying for Peter's release ([Acts 12:5](/acts/12-5 "Acts 12:5 - The Church's Earnest Prayer for Peter")). Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, a light shone in the cell, and the angel struck Peter, commanding him to rise, at which point his chains miraculously fell off. The angel then instructed Peter to dress and follow him, leading him past the first and second prison wards, where the guards were inexplicably oblivious. This verse, [Acts 12:10](/acts/12-10 "Acts 12:10 - Peter's Miraculous Escape"), describes the final, most formidable physical barrier—the iron gate—yielding to divine power, completing Peter's escape from the prison itself and into the freedom of the city.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Acts 12 transpired during the reign of King Herod Agrippa I (AD 41-44), a grandson of Herod the Great. Agrippa I was known for his efforts to appease the Jewish populace, which included persecuting Christians, a move that gained him favor. Roman prison systems, as depicted here, were designed for maximum security, employing multiple layers of guards, chains, and robust gates to prevent escape. The "wards" (φυλακή, _phylakē_) refer to distinct guard posts or sections within the prison. An "iron gate" leading to the city would have been a massive, heavily fortified barrier, often locked and bolted, representing the ultimate physical impediment to freedom. The timing "after Passover" indicates Herod's intention to make a public spectacle of Peter, as large crowds would be present in Jerusalem for the festival. The narrative thus highlights the stark contrast between human power and security measures, and the supernatural intervention of God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Intervention and Miraculous Deliverance**, showcasing God's direct, supernatural involvement in the lives of His servants. The effortless opening of the "iron gate...of his own accord" emphasizes that this was not a human feat but an undeniable act of God, echoing other angelic deliverances in Acts, such as the apostles' release from prison in [Acts 5:19](/acts/5-19 "Acts 5:19 - Angelic Release of Apostles"). This also underscores the **Sovereignty of God** over all earthly powers, human authorities, and physical obstacles. The formidable iron gate, a symbol of ultimate security, yields to God's command, demonstrating His absolute control. Furthermore, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire miraculous escape is presented as a direct **Answer to Prayer**, specifically the earnest prayers of the church mentioned in [Acts 12:5](/acts/12-5 "Acts 12:5 - The Church's Earnest Prayer for Peter"), highlighting the efficacy and power of corporate intercession.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **accord (Greek, _automatós'_):** From G844, meaning "self-moved" or "automatic," i.e., spontaneous. Its use here emphatically underscores the supernatural nature of the gate's opening. The gate did not open due to human agency, a guard's key, or Peter's strength, but by an internal, unprompted divine power. This word leaves no room for natural explanation, highlighting the miraculous.
* **iron (Greek, _sidēreos'_):** From G4603, meaning "made of iron." This adjective describes the gate, emphasizing its formidable and impenetrable nature. Iron gates were heavy, strong, and designed for maximum security, serving as a significant barrier. The material choice highlights the seemingly insurmountable obstacle that God effortlessly overcame.
* **departed (Greek, _aphístēmi'_):** From G868, meaning "to remove," "to desist," or "to withdraw self." This verb describes the angel's action immediately after Peter reached the street. The angel's departure signifies the completion of its divine assignment. Once Peter was safely outside the prison and in the city, the angel's specific mission was fulfilled, indicating that divine assistance is provided precisely when and where it is needed, and for its specific purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When they were past the first and the second ward":** This phrase indicates that Peter and the angel had already successfully navigated the initial layers of prison security. The "wards" refer to distinct guard posts or sections within the prison, each likely manned by soldiers, demonstrating the thoroughness of Peter's imprisonment and the scope of the miraculous bypass.
* **"they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city":** This describes the final, most imposing physical barrier separating Peter from freedom. The "iron gate" signifies a massive, heavily fortified entrance, likely the main gate of the prison compound or the city wall itself, representing the ultimate human attempt to contain.
* **"which opened to them of his own accord":** This is the pivotal miraculous event of the verse. The Greek word _automatós_ (of his own accord) emphasizes that the gate opened spontaneously, without any human intervention or mechanical assistance. It swung open by divine power, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over physical structures and human impediments.
* **"and they went out, and passed on through one street":** This signifies Peter's successful exit from the prison and his entry into the city. The mention of "one street" suggests a brief, purposeful walk away from the immediate vicinity of the prison, confirming Peter's secure passage into the urban environment.
* **"and forthwith the angel departed from him":** Immediately after Peter was safely out and in the street, the angel's mission was complete. The angel's sudden departure underscores the divine nature of the entire event, highlighting that the angel was an instrument of God's will, not a permanent companion, and that its task was precisely defined and executed.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Acts 12:10 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "iron gate" serving as a potent symbol of insurmountable obstacles, human authority, and the seemingly impenetrable barriers that can stand between God's people and His purposes. Its spontaneous opening symbolizes God's absolute power to overcome any human or physical impediment. The entire event is a clear example of **Divine Intervention** and **Miracle**, where supernatural power directly alters the natural course of events, defying human logic and capability. The "forthwith" departure of the angel adds to the sense of a divinely orchestrated, precise operation, reinforcing the idea that God's agents act with specific, limited mandates. The narrative's dramatic tension, built through the layers of security, is resolved by this sudden, effortless liberation, creating a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and omnipotence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:10 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive purposes. It stands as a powerful testament to God's ability to deliver His servants from the most dire and humanly impossible circumstances. The miraculous opening of the iron gate is a clear demonstration that no human power, no physical barrier, and no amount of opposition can thwart the divine will. This event reassures believers that God is not limited by earthly constraints and that His power far surpasses any challenge they may face. It also subtly reinforces the theme of answered prayer, as the church's earnest petitions for Peter's release are met with a supernatural response, demonstrating God's responsiveness to the cries of His people.

* [Acts 5:19](/acts/5-19 "Acts 5:19 - Angelic Release of Apostles")
* [Psalm 107:16](/psalms/107-16 "Psalm 107:16 - Breaking Gates of Bronze")
* [Isaiah 45:2](/isaiah/45-2 "Isaiah 45:2 - God Opening Doors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 12:10 offers profound encouragement and practical application for believers facing their own "iron gates" in life. This narrative reminds us that God's power is not limited by the size or strength of our obstacles, whether they are physical, relational, financial, or spiritual. When we encounter seemingly insurmountable barriers, this account calls us to remember Peter's deliverance and to place our trust wholly in God's ability to make a way where there appears to be none. It challenges us to persist in prayer, recognizing that our earnest petitions can indeed move the hand of God, even when circumstances seem hopeless. Furthermore, the angel's timely departure teaches us to discern God's specific purpose for His interventions; divine help is provided precisely when and for what it is needed, empowering us to step forward in faith once the way is clear. This story strengthens our faith, assuring us that God remains actively involved in the lives of His people, often in ways that defy human logic and capability, reminding us that with God, all things are possible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "iron gates" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles am I currently facing in my life, and how does Peter's story encourage me to trust God with them?**
* **How does the church's earnest prayer for Peter (Acts 12:5) influence my understanding of the power and importance of corporate and individual prayer?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to step out in faith, trusting that God has already opened a way, even if I don't yet see it?**

### FAQ

**Why did the angel depart so suddenly from Peter?**
Answer: The angel's sudden departure, described as "forthwith," signifies that its mission was complete. Angels are divine messengers and agents, dispatched by God for specific tasks. Once Peter was safely outside the prison and in the city street, the immediate danger was past, and the angelic assistance was no longer required. This emphasizes that the angel's presence was for a divine purpose—Peter's miraculous liberation—and not for permanent companionship or ongoing guidance once that specific task was accomplished. It highlights the precision and purposefulness of divine intervention.

**What is the significance of the "iron gate" in this narrative?**
Answer: The "iron gate" is highly significant as it represents the ultimate physical barrier and symbol of human security and authority. Iron gates were massive, heavy, and designed to be impenetrable, making them a formidable final obstacle. For this gate to open "of his own accord" (Greek: _automatós_) underscores the truly miraculous nature of Peter's escape. It was not opened by a guard, a key, or Peter's strength, but by divine power, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all human efforts to contain or thwart His purposes. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's ability to break through any obstacle, no matter how strong or secure it may seem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 12:10, while describing a physical liberation, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual liberation accomplished by Jesus Christ. Peter's escape from the literal prison of Herod's authority points to Christ's ultimate victory over the spiritual prison of sin and death. Jesus declared Himself to be the [Good Shepherd and the Door](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door"), through whom all who enter find salvation and freedom. Just as the iron gate could not hold Peter, the grave could not hold Jesus, who burst forth in resurrection power, triumphing over the ultimate "gate" of death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ has opened the way for all humanity to be set free from the bondage of sin, fear, and spiritual darkness. He came to [proclaim liberty to the captives](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission to Set Captives Free") and to lead His people out of spiritual imprisonment into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Peter's miraculous deliverance is thus a tangible reminder of the far greater, eternal deliverance that is found only in Jesus, who is the [way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, Truth, and Life"), and through whom we have access to God and true freedom ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 5:19

But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Acts 16:26

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Isaiah 45:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Isaiah 45:2

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Genesis 42:17

And he put them all together into ward three days.

John 20:19

¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

Isaiah 21:8

And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights: